But Mourinho has opened the door for Ibrahimovic to return to Old Trafford, if and when he is able to prove his fitness.

Mourinho said when asked by reporters about Ibrahimovic’s possible future at United on Friday;

“Possibly, it’s open. Of course we wanted to be honest and open and leave everything for him to make the decision,”

“At the same time, let’s make a decision that makes us all happy and if that is for him to stay and for us to wait – let’s say in December maybe, because I don’t think before December he can get back to competitive football – but why not wait for a player who gave us so much?

“We are changing ideas and it’s with Mr Woodward and Zlatan’s agent, but the final decision is the best for the player.”